Professional editing for fiction, nonfiction, and the stories worth telling.
Every manuscript has potential. Whether you’re preparing your first novel for publication, refining a nonfiction book, or seeking an experienced editor for your publishing team, thoughtful editing can make the difference between a promising draft and a polished, compelling finished work.
At Pen&Post, I offer professional manuscript editing services designed to strengthen your writing while preserving the voice and vision that make it yours.
From big-picture developmental feedback to meticulous proofreading, I work with authors, independent publishers, and editorial agencies to help bring manuscripts to their fullest potential.
Let’s talk about your manuscript.
Editing That Strengthens Your Work Without Losing Your Voice
Writing is personal. You’ve invested time, energy, and creativity into every page, and you deserve an editor who respects that investment.
My philosophy is simple: Good editing should make your writing better, not make it sound like someone else’s.
I approach each manuscript as its own unique project, taking the time to understand its genre, intended audience, and the author’s goals. I look at what is already working as carefully as I examine what needs improvement.
Sometimes that means identifying opportunities to strengthen plot, pacing, and character development. Other times, it means refining sentences, improving clarity, or correcting the smallest inconsistencies.
Whatever level of editing your manuscript needs, my goal is to provide constructive, actionable feedback that helps you move forward with confidence.
“Insightful. Thorough. Trustworthy. As a first time author, the fear I had sharing my work was quickly put to rest with Sara. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, capable of addressing the big picture down to the line level. Consistently, she provided a refreshing lens to sticky areas of my project while also raising questions that created new spaces for me to explore. All of it I’m grateful for and know it’s helped place my project in the strongest position as I prepare for the query process.”
—Vincent, literary/sci-fi author
Manuscript Editing Services
Different manuscripts need different kinds of attention. I offer four levels of editorial support, from broad structural guidance to final-stage proofreading.
Developmental Editing
Strengthen the foundation of your manuscript.
Developmental editing focuses on the big picture: how the manuscript works as a whole, how effectively it communicates its ideas, and how well it engages the intended reader.
For fiction, this means examining the elements that make a story compelling, including plot, pacing, character development, conflict, tension, and narrative structure.
For nonfiction, developmental editing may focus on organization, clarity of purpose, logical progression, audience expectations, and how effectively the material supports the book’s central message.
Depending on the project, developmental feedback may address:
- Overall structure and organization
- Plot development, conflict, and resolution
- Pacing, tension, and narrative momentum
- Character motivation, consistency, and development
- Point of view and narrative perspective
- Theme and emotional impact
- Continuity, logic, and internal consistency
- Reader engagement and genre expectations
- Clarity, organization, and flow in nonfiction manuscripts
Developmental editing typically includes an editorial assessment of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, along with specific recommendations for revision. The exact deliverables are determined by the manuscript’s needs and the agreed project scope.
Best for: Authors who have completed a draft and want guidance on strengthening the manuscript before moving into sentence-level editing.
Line Editing
Make every sentence work harder.
Line editing focuses on the craft of writing at the sentence and paragraph level.
While developmental editing examines the manuscript as a whole, line editing looks closely at how the language shapes the reader’s experience.
I work to improve clarity, flow, rhythm, word choice, and readability while preserving the author’s individual style.
Line editing may address:
- Sentence structure and rhythm
- Word choice and precision
- Clarity, concision, and readability
- Repetition and unnecessary exposition
- Dialogue flow and naturalness
- Transitions between sentences and paragraphs
- Tone, style, and narrative voice
- Awkward or confusing phrasing
- Consistency of language and expression
The goal isn’t simply to make the prose more polished. It’s to help the writing communicate exactly what the author intends, with greater confidence and impact.
Best for: Manuscripts with a solid structure that would benefit from greater clarity, stronger prose, and more refined storytelling.
Copyediting
Polish your manuscript for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
Copyediting focuses on the technical details of writing while ensuring the manuscript remains clear, consistent, and professional.
Even strong manuscripts can contain grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and distracting mechanical issues. A thorough copyedit helps eliminate these problems before publication.
Copyediting may include:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Syntax and sentence clarity
- Capitalization, hyphenation, and number treatment
- Consistency in terminology and style
- Dialogue punctuation and formatting
- Word usage and commonly confused terms
- Internal consistency in names, dates, and details
- Adherence to an agreed editorial style guide
- Preparation or maintenance of an editorial style sheet
I primarily follow The Chicago Manual of Style for book manuscripts, with appropriate adjustments for genre, publisher guidelines, and project-specific preferences.
My approach is thorough but mindful of voice. Grammar and consistency matter, but so do intentional stylistic choices.
Best for: Manuscripts that have completed major revisions and are ready for detailed technical editing before publication.
Proofreading
One final look before your work goes out into the world.
Proofreading is the final quality-control stage of the editorial process.
After developmental concerns have been addressed and line and copyediting are complete, proofreading catches lingering errors that may have been introduced or overlooked.
Depending on the format and production stage, proofreading may address:
- Remaining spelling and punctuation errors
- Typographical mistakes
- Missing or repeated words
- Inconsistent capitalization or formatting
- Minor grammatical errors
- Inconsistencies in headings and chapter titles
- Layout-related errors in formatted proofs
- Other final-stage mechanical issues
Proofreading is not a substitute for substantive editing or a full copyedit. Its purpose is to catch remaining errors without introducing unnecessary changes late in the publication process.
Best for: Manuscripts or formatted proofs that have already been professionally edited and are approaching publication.
“Professional, reliable and engaging regarding the task required. She is not afraid to suggest changes, improvements and speak her mind which is refreshing to have the valuable feedback required to consider. The work was finished before the deadline which allowed discussion on the points highlighted in good time. Highly recommended!”
—Kelvin, fantasy author
Fiction Editing
Helping stories become the strongest versions of themselves.
As both an editor and a novelist, I understand the challenges of bringing a fictional world to life.
Creating believable characters, developing compelling conflicts, maintaining narrative momentum, and finding the right balance between showing and telling are just a few of the challenges fiction writers face.
I also understand how difficult it can be to evaluate your own manuscript after spending months or years immersed in it.
An outside editorial perspective can help identify problems that are difficult to recognize when you’re close to the story.
My fiction editing services focus on strengthening the work without sacrificing its personality. Whether your manuscript needs structural guidance or careful sentence-level refinement, I aim to help you tell the story you set out to tell.
I particularly enjoy working with character-driven fiction, speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and stories that blend genres. But my professional services are not limited to these niches. I have experience editing everything from literary and experimental to middle grade and young adult to thrillers and mysteries.
“I enjoy working with Sara! She has been instrumental in helping me identify plot holes and adjust the scene sequence in my project. Her approach is one of curiosity and thoughtfulness.”
—Julia, young adult sci-fi author
Nonfiction Editing
Clear, purposeful writing that informs, engages, and connects.
Nonfiction writing comes with its own editorial challenges. Even well-researched material can lose readers when the organization is confusing, the language is unnecessarily complicated, or the central message becomes buried in details.
My background in professional content writing, biology, and English allows me to approach nonfiction projects with an appreciation for both clarity and accuracy.
I can help strengthen the organization, consistency, readability, and presentation of nonfiction manuscripts, including narrative nonfiction, memoir, educational and informational books, and general-interest nonfiction.
Depending on the manuscript, editorial work may focus on:
- Organization and logical progression
- Clarity and accessibility
- Consistent terminology and presentation
- Tone and audience appropriateness
- Transitions and readability
- Grammar, mechanics, and editorial style
- Sentence-level refinement
- Identifying passages that may require clarification or additional support
I have extensive experience working with AI-assisted manuscripts in the non-fiction space and offer AI humanization in addition to basic editorial services
For technical or specialized nonfiction, we can discuss the project’s subject matter and editorial requirements before determining whether it’s a good fit.
Subject-matter fact-checking, reference verification, and specialized academic editing are separate considerations and are not automatically included in standard manuscript editing.
“Sara is very professional and knows her craft. She was able to deliver on time and communicates effectively.”
—Paul, cozy mystery series publisher
Editorial Services for Publishers & Agencies
Dependable freelance support for your editorial team.
Publishing schedules are demanding, and even experienced editorial teams occasionally need additional support.
I partner with independent publishers, publishing service providers, and editorial agencies that need a reliable freelance editor for individual projects, overflow assignments, or ongoing editorial work.
I understand the importance of meeting deadlines, following established editorial standards, communicating clearly, and delivering work that aligns with both the publisher’s expectations and the author’s voice.
My services can support your editorial workflow through:
- Developmental manuscript assessments and editing
- Line editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Editorial style sheets and consistency review
- Project-specific editorial assignments
- Recurring freelance or subcontracted editorial support
I’m comfortable working within established editorial guidelines and adapting to different project requirements, manuscript styles, and workflows.
I use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and comments to provide transparent edits and feedback, and I can accommodate other agreed collaborative workflows when appropriate.
I also understand that confidentiality and professionalism are essential when working with unpublished manuscripts and client materials.
Whether you’re seeking an editor for a single assignment or hoping to establish a long-term working relationship, I’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about your editorial needs.
Interested in working together? Get in touch to discuss editorial partnerships and availability.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Editing should be a collaborative, productive experience—not an intimidating one.
I believe that the best editorial relationships are built on mutual respect, honest communication, and a shared commitment to producing the strongest possible manuscript.
A Respectful Approach
Your manuscript is your work. My role is to help you strengthen it, not rewrite it in my own voice. I distinguish between necessary corrections, editorial recommendations, and subjective stylistic preferences.
Constructive, Actionable Feedback
I strive to explain not just what could be improved, but why. My feedback is intended to give you clear direction and practical options for revision.
Attention to Detail
From structural inconsistencies to punctuation, I take the details seriously. I approach each project carefully and work to maintain consistency throughout the manuscript.
Clear Communication
I believe in establishing expectations before work begins, including the editorial scope, deliverables, timeline, and opportunities for questions.
Professionalism and Reliability
Whether working with an individual author or a publishing team, I respect deadlines, confidentiality, project requirements, and the trust clients place in me.
“Sara’s feedback was clear, constructive, and will help me improve my book. Glad I got a chance to work with her. Thanks, Sara!”
—young adult sci-fi author
The Editing Process
Every project is different, but most editing assignments follow a straightforward process.
1. Tell Me About Your Project
Contact me with a brief description of your manuscript, including its genre or subject, approximate word count, current stage of development, and the type of editing you’re looking for.
If you aren’t sure which level of editing you need, that’s okay. We can discuss your goals and determine an appropriate next step.
2. Manuscript Review & Project Scope
I’ll review the information you provide and, when appropriate, request a representative sample of your manuscript.
This helps me evaluate the manuscript’s needs, identify the appropriate editorial service, and determine the scope of work.
For agency and publishing clients, this step may also include a review of editorial guidelines, required deliverables, and production deadlines.
3. Proposal & Scheduling
Once we’ve established the scope, I’ll provide a project quote and discuss scheduling, deliverables, and any relevant editorial expectations.
Because manuscripts vary considerably in length, complexity, and condition, editing is quoted on a project-specific basis.
4. Editing & Editorial Feedback
I’ll complete the agreed editorial work, using tracked changes, comments, editorial reports, or other formats appropriate to the assignment.
The goal is to provide feedback that is clear, organized, and genuinely useful.
5. Delivery & Next Steps
You’ll receive the agreed edited files and supporting materials, along with any relevant notes about recommended next steps.
If you have questions about the feedback, we can address them according to the communication and follow-up terms established for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of editing does my manuscript need?
That depends on where you are in the writing and revision process.
If you’re concerned about plot, pacing, structure, character development, or overall organization, developmental editing may be the best starting point.
If the manuscript’s structure is solid but the prose needs refinement, line editing may be more appropriate.
Copyediting addresses grammar, punctuation, consistency, and mechanical concerns, while proofreading provides a final check after the manuscript has already been edited.
Some manuscripts benefit from multiple levels of editing, but not every project needs every service.
Do you edit both fiction and nonfiction?
Yes. I work with fiction and selected nonfiction projects. My editorial approach and the services I recommend depend on the manuscript’s genre, subject matter, and specific needs.
For highly technical, academic, or specialized nonfiction, I’ll evaluate the project requirements before accepting an assignment.
Do you work with self-published authors?
Absolutely. I understand the unique demands of independent publishing and the importance of creating a professional manuscript.
Whether you’re preparing your first book or your tenth, I can help identify the editorial support most appropriate for your goals and budget.
I love building long-term relationships and growing with authors as their career grows. My goal is to get to know you, your writing style, and your aspirations and be the dependable, knowledgeable editor to help you make every project the best it can be.
Do you work with publishing houses and editing agencies?
Yes. I welcome inquiries from publishers, editing agencies, and editorial service providers seeking freelance or subcontracted editorial support.
I’m available to discuss individual assignments, overflow work, and ongoing professional relationships.
Will you change my writing style?
My goal is to preserve and strengthen your voice, not replace it.
Some edits are necessary for correctness or clarity. Others are stylistic suggestions intended to improve readability or effectiveness. I try to make that distinction clear so authors can make informed decisions about their work.
Do you offer sample edits?
I can provide a short sample edit when appropriate to the project and service level.
Sample edits are particularly useful for assessing line editing and copyediting compatibility. Developmental editing typically requires a broader review to provide meaningful feedback.
Sample availability and scope are determined on a case-by-case basis.
How much does manuscript editing cost?
Editing costs depend on several factors, including manuscript length, the level of editing required, manuscript condition, complexity, and turnaround time.
I provide project-specific quotes so the scope and price reflect the actual work involved.
For publishers and agencies, I’m happy to discuss established assignment parameters and recurring project needs.
How long will editing take?
Turnaround time varies based on manuscript length, complexity, editing level, and current availability.
We’ll establish a mutually agreed upon schedule before the project begins.
Will editing guarantee my book gets published or sells well?
No editor can guarantee publication, sales, or commercial success.
What professional editing can do is help strengthen your manuscript, improve its clarity and consistency, and prepare it to make a more polished impression on readers.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let’s make your manuscript the best it can be.
Whether you’re an author preparing your book for publication or a publishing professional looking for dependable editorial support, I’d love to hear about your project.
Tell me a little about what you’re working on, where you are in the process, and what kind of support you need.
Together, we can determine the best path forward.
Publishers and editorial agencies are also welcome to inquire about availability for ongoing assignments and freelance partnerships.